Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area - Racing in Indy or Detroit
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Fix_me_up
02-21-06, 08:39 PM
Anyone have any insights for a virgin velodrome racer? I'm planning on starting at Major Taylor in Indy when it opens this season. Then I have to move up towards Detroit later in the year and I've heard there is a velodrome in a suburb up there as well. Any tips specifically for beginning to race at either of those 'dromes? I've got all the bike equipment, anything else I should have such as a long sleeved jersey?
bitingduck
02-22-06, 12:28 AM
Go fast, turn left.
Seriously, the best thing you can do is take whatever intro class each track offers-- they'll introduce you to track etiquette, which is important when you have a lot of people riding fast in a small space, and they'll give you some idea about what equipment works well at their tracks. Trackies talk a lot, and if you just go out and do open riding regularly you'll start to pick stuff up. If they have practice races, do those too-- it will get you into the feel of track racing in a slightly less competitive environment than the regular USCF races.
And check out fixedgearfever.com.
cap'n_Rob
02-22-06, 01:28 PM
i train and race at the velodrome at bloomer park(metro det.) 2-3 times a week in season and can help set you straight on which nights are best for learn to ride/training/racing etc. were a pretty friendly bunch and have a real fun track program. see you soon,
Toxanadu
02-22-06, 03:31 PM
any ideas when bloomer will open?
(I just bought a track bike and anticipating warmer weather)
The Wolverines will help you out!
Mike Walden (RIP) was a good coach and exellent man.
Dale Hughes , the man who kept 6 day alive in the US also Rick Denman. Dale designs and builds velodromes.
The Young family, Claire , Roger (now runs ADT), Shelia , Roger's wife Connie.Alot of good experience up there. All are champions national and world
Train hard, Race smart.
S/F,
CEYA!
cap'n_Rob
02-23-06, 10:58 AM
we winterize in late fall to help preserve the surface so only small, if any, adjustments need to be made to restore what i think has to be the smoothest track surface around. look for about a 1st of april +- a week or so, opening weekend, and then weeknight training shortly after, call the track phone# and talk to dale for a bit more definate info.www.velodromeatbloomerpark.com (http://)
Without calling the Major Taylor 'drome, do any of you know when it opens for the year?